MURPHY DESPERATE FOR IRON EXIT

Murphy - looking to leave.

Scunthorpe goalkeeper Joe Murphy is desperate to quit Glanford Park in order to boost his international career with the Republic of Ireland.

The 26-year-old wants to cement his place in new coach Giovanni Trapattoni's squad and feels he must be playing at Championship level to do so.

Murphy told the Irish Independent: "I've got a year left in my contract at Scunthorpe, but I'm trying hard to see if I can leave.

"It's going to be tough to get out. I've spoken to the chairman and they're asking for a lot of money for a player with only a year left on his contract.

"But I've made it public that I do want to go because I need to play at least Championship football if I want to stay in the (Republic of Ireland) squad, so I'm going to have to try and do that this year.

"After the last two or three trips (with Ireland), when you go back to your club, it kicks in that you've been at a higher level, so it's good psychologically to know that you can play at this level and it makes you want to compete with the best."